Befriending the Nervous System Therapists
Understanding and working with your nervous system can transform how you experience stress, emotions, and connection. Find therapists who focus on nervous system awareness on First Session.
Your nervous system plays a central role in how you experience the world—shaping your responses to stress, your ability to feel safe, and your capacity for connection. When the nervous system is frequently activated or stuck in survival mode, it can show up as anxiety, difficulty relaxing, or feeling disconnected from yourself and others.
Befriending the nervous system involves learning to recognize its signals, understand its protective responses, and develop practices that help you return to a sense of safety and balance. Working with a therapist who understands nervous system regulation can help you build a more supportive relationship with your body's responses. Browse therapist profiles on First Session to find someone whose approach resonates with you.
Renata Paula da Silva Roma
Renata Paula da Silva Roma
Aimee Pudifin
Aimee Pudifin
Candice Burnett
Candice Burnett
Andrew Fawcett
Andrew Fawcett
Lauren Kolyn
Lauren Kolyn
Cathy-Jo Shortt
Cathy-Jo Shortt
Aditi Pathare
Aditi Pathare
Diane Brussell
Diane Brussell
Sabrina De Araujo
Sabrina De Araujo
Sara Kiss
Sara Kiss
Molly McBride
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Molly McBride
Sabrina Sibbald
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Sabrina Sibbald
Therapy is hard work.
Befriending the nervous system means developing awareness of how your body responds to stress and learning to work with those responses rather than against them. This approach often draws on understanding of the autonomic nervous system and how it shifts between states of activation (fight or flight), shutdown, and calm connection. The goal is to build capacity for returning to a regulated state and responding to life's challenges with more flexibility.
This approach may be helpful for people who experience chronic stress, anxiety, difficulty relaxing, or a sense of being constantly on edge. It can also support those recovering from trauma, dealing with burnout, or wanting to better understand the connection between their physical sensations and emotional experiences. Many people find it valuable for improving overall wellbeing and resilience.
Therapy focused on the nervous system often includes learning about how your body responds to stress, noticing physical sensations, and practicing techniques that help shift your state. Sessions might involve breathwork, grounding exercises, movement, or simply developing greater awareness of your body's signals. The pace is typically gentle and responsive to what feels manageable for you.
The duration varies depending on your goals and what you're working through. Some people notice shifts in their awareness and responses relatively quickly, while building lasting change in nervous system patterns often happens gradually over time. Your therapist can help you understand what to expect based on your individual situation.
Finding the right fit matters. On First Session, you can watch therapist intro videos to get a sense of their style and personality before reaching out. Pay attention to whether they seem warm, grounded, and like someone you'd feel comfortable exploring these topics with. Reading their profiles can also help you understand their training and approach.
Browse therapists on First Session who work with nervous system regulation, watch their intro videos, and book directly online when you find someone who feels like a good match. You can choose between online and in-person sessions based on what works best for you.